Pins are the individual signal carriers and ports contain the group of individual pins. For example, a computer with a parallel printer port may have one 25 way D type connector identified as an LPT port, this port in turn has 25 pins which can carry signals.
But shouldn't the step pins have changed even if randomly?
You will need much faster measuring equipment than you are currently using if you want to see much activity on the step pins (oscilloscope would be good).
Seems you are trying to find a fault where none exists
As I understand it you have proved that the inputs work OK.
If you are running XP then download and run Parmon, this enables the output pins to be toggled (without any hardware connected). If the port does not respond correctly with Parmon then I would conclude that it is damaged.
Take care when physically testing the inputs and outputs of the parallel port at the 25 way connector. They are quite fragile and intolerant to incorrect connection.
You need the MDE 2003 v7 with .NET framework. I don't think this is a current product anymore but it appears on ebay, quite cheaply, every now and again.